Newcastle withstood a late revival last night from FC Zurich to take a narrow lead back to Tyneside.

Alan Shearer collected the 50th cup goal of his career on the hour to extend his side's lead after Silvio Maric put the visitors ahead after 51 minutes. But just when they thought the game was over, Zurich launched a superb fightback which could have given them a share of the spoils.

The Swiss side pulled one back through defender Pascal Castillo on 68 minutes and then they laid siege to Steve Harper's goal. However, Newcastle were good value for their lead before the backlash started but they left the Letzigrun Stadium knowing that the tie is far from over.

FC ZURICH: Pascolo, Castillo, Stocklasa, Djordjevic, Kebe (Del Seignori 64), Frick (Akale Kanga 75), Sant'Anna, Eydelie, Shassot (Douglas 64), Bartlett, Kavelashvili. Subs Not Used: Trombini, Giannini, Malacarne, Andreoli. Booked: Kebe. Goal: Castillo 68.

NEWCASTLE: Harper, Barton, Hughes, Dabizas, Domi, Solano (McClen 87), Lee, Speed, Dyer (Serrant 63), Maric (Robinson 78), Shearer. Subs Not Used: Given, Marcelino, Kerr, Pistone. Booked: Harper. Goals: Maric 51, Shearer 60.

Referee: J Granat (Poland).